Island Time, July 29: Cruising Through Summer

Union Chapel’s 2021 Speaker Series begins today at 4 p.m. when Nikole Hannah-Jones and Michael Eric Dyson – moderated by Karen Holmes Ward – share their views on social justice and social movements.

Later in the week, on Wednesday, August 4 at 7:30 p.m., the chapel will celebrate the dedication of their rebuilt organ with a performance by organist Alcee Chriss III.

You see Land Rovers cruising all around the Island – now you can view them up close and personal. The Vineyard Series, which takes place at Nomans in Oak Bluffs on Sunday, August 1 from 9 a.m. to noon, is a “Celebration of Rovers” where enthusiasts from all over New England will gather to show off their unique vehicles to the public.

The historic Old Whaling Church in downtown Edgartown opens its doors today for an Open House from 1 to 5 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to see the trompe l’oeil mural that was recreated by Island artist Margot Datz, plus enjoy a presentation by the artist at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. as she details her process of painting the magnificent mural.

And for more Edgartown history, take part in the annual Edgartown House Tour on Wednesday, August 4 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The event, which begins at the Federated Church, will start with historian Liz Villard’s presentation about the historical importance of the homes on the tour, followed by the viewing of five classic New England residences.

On Saturday, July 31 from 5 to 9 p.m., the artistic Baer family will be displaying work at the Cleopatra Lounge in Vineyard Haven. The show, titled Eterna: Mannequins From an Unknown Sea, will feature mannequins by Jacqueline, paintings by Gretchen and mapped projections by Jon.

For more art opportunities this week, the Galaxy Gallery in Oak Bluffs will have an artist reception on Saturday, July 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. featuring Island Landscape Painters. The All Island Art Show at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs takes place on Monday, August 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. And up-Island at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury, the Art Sale Benefit: Give Me Shelter, occurs on Tuesday, August 3 from 2 to 8:30 p.m. and Wednesday, August 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kate Taylor and her producer, Peter Asher, have teamed up once again for a new album collaboration – titled Why Wait! – which they will debut at the Tabernacle on Tuesday, August 3 from 8 to 10 p.m. Other featured guests will include bassist Leland Sklar and guitarist Albert Lee. Throughout the evening, Ms. Taylor and the band will present songs from the new record, as well as some other favorites.

Hello!

We’ve officially reached the chunk of summer that fills me with equal parts excitement and dread; the weeks ahead are so jam-packed full of incredible events and opportunities, I can work myself up to a FOMO-induced state of panic just glancing at the calendar section.

Here are a few upcoming favorites, in easy-to-digest capsules:

In conjunction with the Museum’s exhibition Tomorrow’s History: 175 Years of the Vineyard Gazette, their History Unfolded series will take a deep dive into some of the Island’s most compelling stories. This Tuesday, August 3 at 4 p.m., join chief curator Bonnie Stacy for Obscure and Outrageous: Vineyard History You May Not Know – But Should. Tickets are $7 for Museum members and $10 for non-members; register here.

DJ Flavya hosts a DJ workshop for folks identifying as female, non-binary or LBGTQ+. Learn how to scratch on turntables and the foundations of DJing. Spots are limited; sign up by e-mailing [email protected]. Saturday, July 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Orange Peel Bakery. $20 suggested donation.

This week, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center is showing Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain, an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at how an anonymous chef became a world-renowned cultural icon.

There, I feel better already.

Happy almost-August. (And a shout out to our February alter-egos, who can barely imagine this much action…)